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Education in Croydon

Dr Rachel Thorn Heathcock, a consultant in Public Health England's south London Health Protection Team said they have been liasing with pupils, staff and parents.

She added: "We have contacted the parents of all children attending the school along with staff to inform them of the situation and provide information about Hepatitis A and the symptoms.

"As a precautionary measure, Hepatitis A vaccination will be offered to all children and staff at the school to prevent any spread of the infection and we are working closely with the local NHS to provide this.

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"It is important to stress that Hepatitis A rarely causes long term liver damage, unlike other hepatitis viruses. Most people usually feel better within a few weeks and have no long term problems.

"Often Hepatitis A does not cause any symptoms, particularly in children, who may be unaware that they have had the infection. Parents have been advised to seek medical attention if children develop any symptoms.”

"Our health protection team are working with the local NHS and vaccinations will be given to all students and staff [at the school]."

What is Hepatitis A?

Hepatitis A is a liver infection caused by a virus that's spread in the poo of an infected person.

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"Hepatitis A can be unpleasant, but it's not usually serious and most people make a full recovery within a couple of months.

"Some people, particularly young children, may not have any symptoms. But Hepatitis A can occasionally last for many months and, in rare cases, it can be life-threatening if it causes the liver to stop working properly (liver failure)."

What are the symptoms of Hepatitis A?

Symptoms can develop for around four weeks after someone has become infected.

Not everyone will experience these symptoms, but they can include:

feeling tired and generally unwell

joint and muscle pain

a high temperature (fever)

loss of appetite

feeling or being sick

pain in the upper-right part of your tummy

a yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice)

dark urine and pale stools

itchy skin

*Are you a parent of a child at Whitgift School with concerns about the outbreak? If so, get in touch by calling the newsdesk on 01737 305569, email thomas.mackintosh@croydonadvertiser.co.uk or tweet @T_Mackintosh